In an interview with ZEUSS, Vice-Rector Sophia Keil and her team discuss valuable opportunities to strategically strengthen EU research at the HSZG and sustainably expand it internationally.
On 12 June 2025, the Vice-Rector for Research, Transfer and Internationalization, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Fränzi Straßberger and Lutz Haberland met with Carsten Glück, Managing Director of ZEUSS and Dr. Gretel Wittenburg (Consultant for Dresden and Eastern Saxony) in Zittau.
ZEUSS (Central EU Service Facility Saxony) supports researchers in all matters relating to EU funding - from the initial project idea to the final report. The free service for all university members includes advice on funding opportunities in Horizon Europe, the identification of suitable funding instruments, support with applications, contract negotiations and the establishment of international collaborations and networks. Researchers can contact Dr. Gretel Wittenburg or our EU advisor Lutz Haberland at any time if they are interested or have questions.
The discussion mainly focused on how EU research at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences can be strengthened, information on supporting EU funding opportunities and the establishment of strategic development processes. The aim is to make greater use of the opportunities offered by European funding programs and to make the university even more international and future-oriented. Among other things, workshops are planned on how to successfully apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, on widening participation and on qualifying as a reviewer. The tour of the university's new DLR_School_Lab was an impressive demonstration of how schoolchildren can get excited about research - and experience how scientific ideas can be turned into tangible innovations for the world of tomorrow.
This was immediately followed by a promising discussion with Prof. Dr. Mandy Schulze from the TRAWOS Institute, Julia Ochmann and the Georgian guest scientists Prof. Shorena Sadzaglishvili, Prof. Ana Kirvalidze and her doctoral student Rusudan Asatiani from Ilia State University in Tbilisi. Possibilities for a joint EU funding application on the topic of social cohesion were discussed. The Georgian guests' visit was funded by ERASMUS+.
Special thanks go to all colleagues who have contributed with great commitment to strengthening and advancing EU research at the HSZG. ZEUSS is currently supporting all members of the HSZG in consultations on COST actions, several R&D cooperation applications, as well as in the initiation of MSCA postdoctoral fellowships and doctoral networks.
We look forward to the next steps together!
The partnership between HSZG and ZEUSS opens up valuable opportunities for us to strategically strengthen EU research at our university and sustainably expand it internationally. Together, we are shaping a forward-looking research landscape that promotes innovative ideas, stimulates cross-border networks and positions our university as a global driving force.
”It was great to hear how much importance the HSZG attaches to EU research cooperation and how open it is to trying out new things alongside familiar funding instruments - a strategic advantage in the highly competitive application process. I was particularly pleased that the university is prepared to continue to open up joint events with ZEUSS to other interested stakeholders from the region, and thus to exploit synergies for future project consortia.
”Shaping the future internationally means setting the right course today. ZEUSS connects people, ideas and opportunities.
”Thursday, June 19, 2025, 09:30 - 12:30 a.m.
Online workshop of the European Commission
"HOW TO BECOME AN EXPERT FOR HORIZON EUROPE"
Take the first step towards becoming an HEU expert reviewer by attending this free online workshop! You will receive important information about the program, learn about the roles of HEU experts and what is expected of them.
June 20 and June 26, 2025
Online workshop from ZEUSS
"Shaping Your Future, Striving for Excellence: Succeeding with an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship"
ZEUSS is organizing a two-part online workshop on MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships for future candidates in Saxony. The workshops will take place on June 20 and June 26, 2025, last about 2 hours each and include a session with a successful Marie Curie Fellow who will take time for personal peer feedback.
September 11, 2025, 3-5 p.m. in Dresden
Exclusive Horizon Europe Session
"Widening Participation in Horizon Europe: Sharing Best Practices"
Are you an experienced Horizon Europe coordinator? Then don't miss this unique opportunity for a dynamic and interactive exchange of experiences on "Widening Participation" projects.
This event brings together coordinators and researchers - especially from the Eastern European and Baltic region - to foster cross-border exchange of experiences, discuss challenges and success stories and develop strategies for successful international cooperation.
ZEUSS (Zentrale EU-Serviceeinrichtung Sachsen) is a service for publicly funded
universities, non-university research institutions and other interested parties in Saxony. The consultations are free of charge for members of the HSZG.
ZEUSS supports you in acquiring funding from Horizon Europe.
Service portfolio (selection):
Important links:
